Fixtures: Thursday, June 17: DHL v Inniskeen (Away) at 8pm; U-16 girls v Killanny (Home) at 7pm
Friday, June 18: U-15 FL Division Five v Clontibret (Away) at 7.30pm
Saturday, June 19: U-13 FL Division Two v Tyholland (Home) at 12pm; U-13 FL Division Six v Corduff (Away) at 3pm; RFL Division 1B v Éire Óg (Home) at 7pm
Sunday, June 20: RFL Division Three v Rockcorry (Away) at 3pm; U-13 Táin Óg league v Cúchullain an Ghleanna (Home) at 11am
Monday, June 21: U-14 girls' Division One v Truagh (Home) at 7pm
Tuesday, June 22: U-13 FL Division Two v Truagh (Away) at 6.30pm; U-13 FL Division Six v Carrickmacross (Home) at 7.45pm
Monaghan Harps Lotto: The numbers for last Sunday's draw were 10, 13, 14 and 16. Jackpot of €1,200 not won. The four €40 lucky-dip prize winners were: Richard McCaughey (direct debit); John McQuaid c/o Sheila Treanor; Niamh McKenna c/o Joe Finlay (Hurling Club); and Thomas Croarkin (direct debit) c/o senior footballers. The sellers' prize of €20 was won by Maria McKenna. Jackpot for Sunday, June 20 is €1,300. The club is asking members willing and financially able to contribute through our lotto towards club maintenance and running expenses. This can be done by two options: set up a standing order to our club lotto via quarterly or annual payments or using our new club app by downloading 'ClubZap' on your phone, registering as a Monaghan Harps GAA Club member and buying club lotto in bulk or on a weekly basis. Anyone interested can contact either Rose Donnelly (086 0825782); Maria McKenna (086 1057725) or Adrian Dalton (087 7859582). Thanks to everyone for their continued support for our lotto, which plays an integral part for the club. Please note that the cut-off point for ClubZap each week is 6pm on Sunday, while physical tickets should be with the lotto committee by 9pm.
Seniors: We have been paired with Castleblayney, Clontibret, Latton and Truagh in Group Two of the Senior Football League. Our first SFL game of the year is set to be at home to Latton on Sunday week (June 27).
Reserves: In a busy week for our reserve teams, we started the RFL Division 1B with an away game against Ballybay last Wednesday. We enjoyed lots of possession during the first half, but Ballybay hit a brace of goals to claim a lead that they would not let go of. A Kevin Moran point was the pick of our first-half scores, while Dylan McKenna, Michael Galligan and Shane Hannon were also on target. Points by Eoghan McGinnity and Michael kept us in touch, but Ballybay's goal-scoring touch saw them build on their lead. Dylan McKenna got one back late on, but we lost out on a scoreline of 1-10 to 4-9.
Team and scorers: Dylan McAree; Niall Hahessy, Killian Conlon, David Lowry; Niall Greenan (Capt.), Kevin Moran (0-1), Oisín Fagan; Lochlainn Power, Dylan McKenna (1-1); Remy McKenna, Michael Galligan (0-5, 4f), Dean Doherty; Eoghan McGinnity (0-1), Evan Doherty, Shane Hannon (0-2, 1f).
Subs used: John Mulligan, Luke Coyle, Mark McManus, Colm Shalvey, James Curley.
A starting team showing six changes lined out for Saturday's home game against Aughnamullen, where a strong first-half performance saw David Lowry, Terence McDonald, Michael Galligan, Liam Conway, Evan Doherty and Luke Coyle all get their names on the scoresheet. Luke got the only goal of the game at the end of a well-worked move to help us take a good lead into the interval and although Aughnamullen inched their way back into it after the restart, points by Michael, Dylan McKenna and Eoghan McGinnity ensured we got off the mark via a 1-12 to 0-11 win.
Team and scorers: Dylan McAree; Andrew Lyden, John Mulligan, Killian Conlon; Oisín Fagan, Conn O'Hanlon (Capt.), Kevin Moran; David Lowry (0-1), Dylan McKenna (0-1); Terence McDonald (0-1), Michael Galligan (0-3, 2f), Liam Conway (0-1); Niall Hahessy; Evan Doherty (0-3, 1m), Luke Coyle (1-1).
Subs used: Mark McManus, Eoghan McGinnity (0-1), Shane Smyth, John Lowry.
A (mostly) youthful Harps side began the RFL Division Three campaign at home to Tyholland on Sunday. After a slow start, a much-improved showing in the second quarter saw us take a narrow 0-8 to 2-1 lead in at half-time. Tyholland regained the lead early in the second half and although a determined rally briefly brought us back on terms, with Eoghan McGinnity leading our scoring, we fell away in the closing stages to finish on the wrong side of a scoreline of 1-16 to 6-10.
Team and scorers: Jason Allister; Anthony Croarkin, Kevin Moran, James Curley; Terence McDonald, Mark McManus, Séadh Deeney; John Lowry, Seán Conway; Nathan O'Donoghue (Capt., 0-1), Eoghan McGinnity (0-7), Colm Shalvey (1-3); Jamie Coyle (0-1), Shay Cooney (0-3), Jake Power (0-1).
Subs used: Paddy Kelly, Jimmy Croarkin.
Well done to Kevin Moran, Mark McManus, James Curley, Liam Conway, Jason Allister, Jamie Coyle, Shay Cooney and Jake Power, who all made their debuts at adult level during the last week. We host Éire Óg in Division 1B this Saturday (7pm), before our Division Three team travels to Rockcorry on Sunday (3pm).
We send best wishes to Francis Lynch for a speedy recovery from a serious ankle injury he picked up at training recently.
Minors: Our U-17s picked up their first points of the new season with a hard-earned win at home to Killanny on Monday evening. Points from Eoin O'Hanlon and Luke McManus and a goal by Ali Galligan got us off to a good start and although Killanny settled into the game before the first water break, Luke and Fionán Ó Gallchóir found the net in quick succession to give us a commanding lead. We were 3-4 to 0-5 up at half-time, but Killanny applied some pressure after the restart and we were grateful to Oisín Reilly for some good saves to protect our lead. Further points by Eoin, Fionán, Seán Callan, Shea Swift and Cian Bradley secured the win on a scoreline of 3-10 to 1-8.
Team and scorers: Oisín Reilly; Gregory O'Connell, Jordan Crampton, Max Mallen; Dáire Conlon, Gary Devlin (Capt.), Shane Moran; Seán Callan (0-1), Shea Swift (0-2); Cian Bradley (0-1), Luke McManus (1-2, 0-1f), Oisín Treanor; Fionán Ó Gallchóir (1-1), Eoin O'Hanlon (0-3, 1f, 1m), Ali Galligan (1-0).
Subs used: Mark Clerkin, Jake McConnon, Josh Kelly, Karol Parsyzkwa, Jack Garvey.
Thanks on behalf of the players and management to Pádraig Callan and Lennox laboratories for kindly sponsoring training gear for our minor panel.
U-15: Our U-15 teams started their league campaigns with a pair of hard-earned wins last week. First up, our Division One team put a slow start behind them to get the better of Emyvale at Gavan Duffy Park. Emyvale raced into an early lead, but scores by Jack Lynch, John McCrystal and Dara Mullin kept the Harps in touch. Excellent goals by the two Jacks, Lynch and Kierans, made it a one-point game and our lads were much quicker out of the blocks in the second half. A string of scores by Jack Lynch, Dara and John saw the Harps pull away, although it took an excellent double save by Oisín McGeown to keep Emyvale out after they won a penalty midway through the half, which helped secure a good opening win by 7-7 to 3-5.
Our Division Five team claimed an exciting win at home to Carrickmacross on Friday night, narrowly seeing off the Emmets by 4-11 to 4-9. Our Division One team have a bye this week, while the Division Five lads are back in action tomorrow (Friday), away to Clontibret for a 7.30pm throw-in.
U-13: The U-13 Football Leagues got underway last Saturday. Our Division Two team battled hard to claim a draw away to Emyvale on a scoreline of 4-7 apiece, while our Division Six boys lost out to a strong Truagh side. On behalf of the entire club, a special well done is due to Deagan Doherty, who has made a welcome return to training and who marked his debut for the Division Two team by getting on the scoresheet in Emyvale. Thanks to Gerry Lynch in Dolan's Pharmacy for kindly sponsoring a medical bag for our U-13 footballers! The Division Two league continues at home to Tyholland this Saturday at 12 noon, while the Division Six boys travel to Corduff for a 3pm throw-in.
U-11: The Liam Stirrat Development League for U-11s continues on Saturday week (June 26) with games against Carrickmacross and Latton.
U-19: Our U-19s have been drawn in Group One of the Division One league, along with Carrickmacross, Emyvale and Magheracloone. They start off on Wednesday week, June 30.
Congratulations: To Stephen Driver and Ciara on the birth of their son, Jack!
Blitz: Gavan Duffy Park was a hive of activity last Saturday morning as we hosted our first blitz of 2021. This U-7 GoGames blitz saw us host Sean McDermotts, Emyvale and Clontibret, while our usual juvenile coaching also went ahead on our training pitch. Thanks to everyone involved.
Club online shop: We will have an online club shop for PlayrFit training gear available for two weeks from June 25. Keep an eye on our social media for more details.
Return to play: We are delighted to have welcomed back all our players to training and games. Thanks to everyone who has kept our pitches in great condition and to our coaches and Covid supervisors for their efforts in getting things underway again after a long wait.
Saturday-morning coaching: Our Saturday-morning coaching has resumed after a long wait, with great numbers of our youngest juvenile players enjoying the return over recent weeks. We ask all parents to wear a mask where appropriate and to practice social distancing. We would also ask parents to go to the stand during training and not to congregate on the pitch or around the gate. We want to ensure that Monaghan Harps is a safe (Covid-free) environment and your co-operation is fully appreciated. Thanks to everyone involved.
London finals: Well done to Fearghal McMahon and Brian Driver, who were involved in the long-delayed 2020 London Gaelic football finals recently. Fearghal was on target for Tír Chónaill Gaels in the senior decider, but his side fell just short after extra-time. Meanwhile, Brian helped another Harps side, from Harlesden, to win the London junior title.
Registration: Registration fees for 2021 can now be paid via the Foireann system or on ClubZap. Fees are as follows: U-11s €20; juveniles/seniors €30; family membership €60. You can also renew your membership by contacting club registrar Kevin Treanor (087 6496994) or treasurer Rose Donnelly (086 0825782). Please note that all juvenile and adult players must be paid-up members. With fundraising remaining limited, your support is greatly appreciated during these times.
County: Well done to the Monaghan senior footballers and hurlers on their wins last weekend that secured their league status for next year.
Cúl Camp: We will again be hosting a Kellogg's Cúl Camp this summer from July 5-9. Register now at gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps.
Referee recruitment: Monaghan GAA recently launched an appeal for new referees. It is proposed that the basic Level 1 course be delivered as follows: two modules online and two in classroom form when circumstances allow. Please contact any committee member if you are interested in getting involved.
Monaghan GAA Golf Classic: This year's McAree Engineering Monaghan GAA Golf Classic will take place on June 25 and 26 in Rossmore Golf Club.
Club app: As well as offering an option to support our lotto, our new club app also has a function to pay your annual membership, make financial donations to the club, as well as a communication suite for all that goes on at the club. You can get involved by downloading 'ClubZap' on your phone and registering as a Monaghan Harps GAA Club member.
Hurling:
Juveniles: Well done to our Under-11 team who had a good win against Castleblayney on Sunday! Check our social media for more details from the match.
Seniors: The Mick Hannon Development Hurling League began with a home fixture v Truagh last Thursday. We had a slow start to the match which allowed Truagh to get the first two points. The lads gradually eased themselves into the match with some excellent clearances from Dermot and Dylan in the full-back line keeping Truagh at bay. The Harps got their first score of the game when a long-range shot from Ray Lee hit the top corner, putting us into the lead. An excellent ball from Nathan O'Donoghue found Conor Forde, whose hard running earned a free, scored by Cathal. At the first water break, scores were level: 1-1 to 0-4. We went two points ahead thanks to an excellent score by Ray and another free by Cathal. Despite some excellent work from the Harps defence, Truagh scored two consecutive points to leave the teams level at half-time: 1-3 to 0-6.
A half-time substitution saw Maurice McKenna enter the field of play and this was the catalyst for a hat-trick of goals early in the half. A strong run and low drive from Maurice was saved by the Truagh keeper, but Cillian Sherry was on hand to finish the rebound. Moments later, a similar run followed when a long-range shot from Brendan McQuaid fell short and Cillian flicked to the net. 3-3 to 0-6 at the second water break. A calm and collected finish from Maurice gave us our fourth goal, which left us in the ascendency going into the final few minutes. Aron Nutley added another point for the Harps with a fast flick of the wrist. Truagh scored two late points, but the Harps defence held strong until the final whistle to give us the win. Harps 4-4 Truagh 0-8. A strong performance from everyone but a special mention to the full-back line who made light work of the Truagh forwards.
Harps team: Seamus McLoughlin; John Lowry, Dermot McMahon, Dylan McAree; Luke Mulligan, Niall McManus, Cathal Power (0-2); Conor Forde, Brendan McQuaid; Seán Conway, Ray Lee (1-1), Nathan O'Donoghue; Cillian Sherry (2-0), Adam Cullen, Peter Clendenning; Maurice McKenna (1-0); Aron Nutley (0-1).
Congratulations to Peter Clendenning who made his debut for the club in the match.
Special congratulations to Brandon Mylett who was unavailable to make his debut as he and his partner, Joanne, welcomed baby Mason to the family. Congratulations Brandon!
Malin2Mizen- Cycle for Roger: Ciaran McQuaid, current senior player, and his cycling team are setting out on a charity cycle to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Roger McQuaid was a passionate supporter of the hurling club and he always motivated Ciaran and Brendan to push themselves on the field. He was also a dedicated volunteer to the Monaghan Harps Ladies Club. The Irish Cancer Society provided great support to the McQuaid family during their father's battle with cancer and we are asking for anyone who can to make some form of donation to the fundraiser. You can follow Ciaran's training regime on Instagram and find the link for donating at 'Malin2Mizen - Cycle for Roger'.
Coaching: We want to say a big thanks to Corracrin NS, Richard Baxter and his staff for welcoming some of our juvenile coaches into the school last week. We hope that we have inspired some boys and girls from outside the town to give hurling/camogie a go!
